What are the rules on betting in esports?
A · Advanced · Integrity and sanctions · 4 of 7Match fixing is changing a result for reasons other than winning, such as losing on purpose for a bet: results are voided and the player is usually banned for five years. Offering money or pressure to change a result is competition manipulation. Players and staff may not bet on any match; betting against their own team brings disqualification.
How it works
- Match fixing: manipulating a result for non-sporting reasons.
- Fixing sanction: voided results, disqualification, usually five years.
- Competition manipulation: bribes, threats or pressure to change a result.
- Manipulation sanction: disqualification and a ban of one to five years.
- Betting: banned for players, staff and club officials.
- Inside information: sharing anything that helps betting is banned.
- Betting against own team: club disqualified, at least one year's ban.
- Reports: go to the organiser or ESIC.
The glossary has the match fixing, the betting (esports), the Esports Integrity Commission, the disqualification (esports), the club and the protest (esports).
Tricky cases
Can a player bet on another game's match at the same event?
No. The ban covers the whole competition.
Is offering an opponent money to lose a fix?
It is competition manipulation: disqualification and a ban of one to five years.
Is a fixing report a protest?
No. Integrity reports go through a separate process.
Can a fixed result stand?
Yes, if the event has moved on too far; other sanctions apply.
Why the rule exists
Betting markets give a reason to throw matches. Strict bans protect fans' trust that every result is real.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Match fixing | Usually five years | G 5.1.11.3 |
| Manipulation | One to five years | G 5.1.11.1 |
| Own-team betting | At least one year | G 5.1.10 |
From the rule book
Esports World Cup Foundation, Esports World Cup 2026 Global Rulebook, sections 5.1.6, 5.1.10, 5.1.11 and Appendix I, section 1.7. Checked 14 October 2026. Official documents: the Esports World Cup 2026 rule books.